Rotary clubs provide backpacks to 51 Surrey students

Rotary clubs provide backpacks to 51 Surrey students

Published 6:00 pm Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Fifty-one students at four White Rock and South Surrey elementary schools have headed back to class with a little extra support.

The Rotary Club of White Rock and the Rotary Club of Semiahmoo teamed up this summer to provide backpacks filled with school supplies for students at Jessie Lee, White Rock, Ray Shepherd and Ocean Cliff elementary schools.

The backpacks, which were delivered to school principals the week before classes began on Sept. 8, included a handful of helpful items to aid in these 51 students coming back to school.

Items included:

• Binders
• Paper
• Duotangs
• Exercise books
• Felt markers
• Pencil crayons
• Crayons
• Pencils
• Pens
• Sharpeners
• Rulers
• Calculators
• Geometry sets

Carla Hanson, a member of the White Rock Rotary since 2012, explained that both clubs made sure each student received different backpacks, along with hygiene kits and fidget items.

Hanson shared with Peace Arch News that this project came together after connecting with the Surrey school district while the club was renting a school gym for their annual book sale.

“I asked if they had anything available or if they needed help on any projects or ideas. They mentioned the backpacks,” said Hanson.

The Surrey School District provided the clubs with a list of four local elementary schools in the South Surrey and White Rock region that could use the support.

Hanson then said she brought the idea to both Rotary clubs, where committees worked together to raise enough funding to provide backpacks for all four schools.

While the clubs have previously supported local schools through Christmas hampers, this marks the first time they have taken on a back-to-school backpack project.

“We want to make sure we’re getting out and helping people directly as much as we possibly can. We like any kind of hands-on project,” said Hanson.

Hanson shared that the backpacks were handed directly to the principals, who worked with school staff and families to make sure they reach students who need them most.

The clubs funded the project through community fundraising efforts, including their twice-yearly book sale and annual Morgan Creek Golf Tournament.

“I hope that people know that we’re in the community and we’re here to help,” said Hanson.

Learn more about the White Rock Rotary Club whiterockrotary.org or the Semiahmoo Rotary Club at semiahmoorotary.org.